All-Purpose Gravy Recipe

User profile image
Tripti Bhalotia (@triptibhalotia)

This all-purpose gravy is a versatile and flavorful base for many Indian dishes. Made with a blend of tomatoes, onions, cashews, and aromatic spices, it can be used to prepare a variety of curries, including the classic Matter Paneer. Perfect for those who love experimenting with Indian cuisine, this recipe is simple yet packed with rich flavors.

All-Purpose Gravy Recipe recipe

Stuck mid-recipe?

Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of gravy)

For the gravy

  • tomato
    tomato
    5
  • onion
    onion
    5
  • oil
    oil
    4tbsp
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    1tsp
  • cashew nuts
    cashew nuts
    25
  • green chilli
    green chilli
    2
  • coriander stem
    coriander stem
    15g
  • ginger garlic paste
    ginger garlic paste
    1tbsp
  • cumin powder
    cumin powder
    1tbsp
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    2tbsp
  • Kashmiri red chilli powder
    Kashmiri red chilli powder
    2tbsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1tsp
  • water
    water
    1cup
  • oil
    oil
    4tbsp
  • black cardamom
    black cardamom
    1
  • green cardamom
    green cardamom
    5
  • black pepper
    black pepper
    1/2tsp
  • bay leaf
    bay leaf
    3
  • small cinnamon stick
    small cinnamon stick
    1
  • cloves
    cloves
    5
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste

For Matter Paneer

  • gravy
    gravy
    2tbsp
  • boiled peas
    boiled peas
    1/2cup
  • paneer
    paneer
    100g
  • Water as required
    Water as required
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1/4tsp
  • kasuri methi
    kasuri methi
    1/2tsp
  • Chopped coriander leaves
    Chopped coriander leaves

How to make All-Purpose Gravy Recipe

For the gravy

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a pan and add ginger garlic paste, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds. Sauté until aromatic.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Then add tomatoes, cashew nuts, green chilies, and coriander stems.

  3. Step 3

    Cook the mixture until the tomatoes are soft. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste.

  4. Step 4

    Heat oil in another pan and add whole spices like black cardamom, green cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves.

  5. Step 5

    Add the prepared tomato-onion paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.

  6. Step 6

    Add water and cook on medium heat until the oil separates from the gravy.

For Matter Paneer

  1. Step 1

    Take 2 tablespoons of the prepared gravy in a pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add boiled peas, paneer, water as required, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Sprinkle garam masala and kasuri methi. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

181.7kcal (9.08%)

Protein

4.9g (9.84%)

Carbs

5.8g (2.11%)

Sugars

0.9g (1.74%)

Healthy Fat

9.6g

Unhealthy Fat

4.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of cream to the gravy.

  2. Make sure to cook the gravy until the oil separates for the best taste.

  3. You can store the gravy in the refrigerator for up to a week and use it as a base for various curries.

FAQS

  1. Can I use this gravy for other dishes?

    Yes, this all-purpose gravy can be used as a base for various Indian curries like butter chicken, vegetable curry, or kofta curry.

  2. How can I make this recipe vegan?

    To make it vegan, replace paneer with tofu and use plant-based cream if adding cream.

  3. Can I freeze the gravy?

    Yes, you can freeze the gravy in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before use.

  4. What can I use instead of cashew nuts?

    You can use almonds or skip nuts entirely, though the texture and flavor may vary.

  5. Is this recipe spicy?

    The recipe has a mild to medium spice level. You can adjust the green chilies and Kashmiri red chili powder to your taste.

triptibhalotia's profile picture
instagram

Tripti Bhalotia

(@triptibhalotia)

Welcome to my Chefadora Page — where flavors meet comfort! I’m Tripti, your culinary guide sharing simple, soulful recipes from savory bites to sweet indulgences.

...
chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia
Recipe Questions?